Yesterday, I was privileged to speak at the Annual Mid-Atlantic Tea Business Association in Bel Air, MD. It was hosted this year by Tea by Two, a charming Tea Room owned by two friends, Janet & Erin. After a career in the insurance industry, they decided to make a significant change in their life trajectory and entered the wonderful world of Tea. Their care and attention to detail is evident and their enthusiasm and warmth obvious. The Tea Room carries plenty of loose leaf tea and all manner of teaware exhibited on charming, old-fashioned stands and furniture.
The morning started with registration accompanied by Tea and a light Breakfast, with a generous Swag Bag of tea goodies available to each attendant. Their beautiful tea cups and arrangements added to the overall atmosphere.
After my talk on the new food safety regulation mandated by the FDA, we were treated to a perfect Afternoon Tea. Small groupings of four allowed us to get to know each other and enjoy a meal graciously served. Each person selected their choice of Tea and was served in an individual 2-cup teapot. I chose Oolong. The Tea Service began with a salad - it looked almost too precious to eat!
Afternoon Tea Sandwiches were Cucumber, Garden Vegetable, Carrot & Chedddar Melt & Curry Chicken. The Scone was Toffee served with Lemon Curd & Cream. Dessert was a Strawberry Ganache Cake, a Blueberry Cheesecake Tart and a House Sugar Cookie.
Before each participant left, a Swag Bag of Tea Goodies was available to all. I can't wait to open mine!
Sharing Tea and conversation with other in the tea business is not just fun but educational. I learned of a visit to the Bahamas that some had taken recently to learn about Tea & Botanicals. Others were planning a trip to China. The next event on the east coast is a Festival in Mechanicsburg, PA at the end of September. Who knows - we may meet again there. Thanks for the invitation, MATBA - it was a grand day!
